First Madonna, now Barbie. Who knew! Realizing that Barbie had turned 50 this week, I’ve spent many hours pondering the changing roles of women and men and success. So what has happened in the last 50 years and was Barbie to blame? Really it started on Monday, when I noticed a photo of Michell Obama and Hillary Clinton in the newspaper. Two sucessful women. At 50, for women, success is open to interpretation. 50 or even 30 years ago(hey, I was 20 then) success for women was measured by the accomplishments of her family; successful husband, successful children. Not so much on looks, hardly ever on career. What now? Is it career achievement, financial success, leadership, or health/looks? Do men still have the same measure as 50, 30 years ago; career, possessions, trophy wife? Where are we now?
How much does Barbie have to do with it all? She has been the image of career success, personal fulfillment, public responsibility for my whole life. Oh, of course there was my mom, the women I saw on the sit-coms, and Oprah. But Barbie has managed to be the leader and look fabulous. She has explored everything from career to lifestyle. She has done everything.
I loved her wistful expression as she shared her progesteron with me this evening. We joked about “Menopause: The Musical” and we recalled how she taught me how to sew tiny dresses, buttons, and snaps as a child. Playing together when I was a child, she allowed me to work through relationship and dating drama, seduction, and define the role of beauty and the boyfriend. I learned to plan a wardrobe and accessorize, although those skills never transferred to real life.
Barbie has redefined herself and adapted to the times, so maybe the new 50ish body image is actually more representative of aging Barbie in more ways than marketing and listening to the complaints of those who blame the unrealistic expectations of an anorexic on a toy. It makes sense. I wonder if they’ll make a naturally grey haired Barbie eventually? Will her waist get larger and also will her boobs be less than perky? Saggy even?
And what about the life alone? Who takes care of Barbie and Ken when they start to need help? Did they stay single too long? No kids, no partner to drive them to doctor when the convertable keys get taken by concerned healthcare professionals. Independence leading to nowhere and nobody. Heck,in this economy theres no retirement fund, no employer of 40 years, no social security to fall back on. Hmmm. Looks like those lifelong friendships will have to connect us all in ways we didn’t expect during the golden years. Skipper might have an extra room.